THE American firm of Ross and Boss took out the Phuket Thailand Open volleyball on the sand at Karon yesterday, but only after a tight struggle.

Another US brand, Branagh and Turner, claimed the first set and had the grandstand crowd of more than 1000 thinking that they were about to see an upset.

But the tournament favorites came through in the end to take the title and top prizemoney in the third Phuket Open.

It was easy for the audience. There was no confusion. All they had to do was call ''Go USA'' to back the winner.

Many people also clapped giant plastic wavers that made Thailand's home-grown anti-government protest hand-clappers look inadequate.

The two US teams, one in pink and blue and the other in black and white, had to see off competition from 20 countries to make the final of the event, held over five days.

Most people would have gone away enthusing about the sport.

The two-person teams call out to each other during play, make interesting signs to the server behind their backs, and congratulate each other on good play.

They also athletically cover an amazing amount of territory in getting that ball back over the net.

Large screens pop up the score and play highlights, such as ''Wow!'' and ''Ace.''

Admission is free, prizemoney this year stood at $175,000, and the event continues to attract international and local sponsorship as well as two days of television coverage that has to be good for Phuket.

Results:

Ross and Boss d Branagh and Turner 18-21 21-14 15-12
for first prize of $32,000 plus 600 ranking points. Second placegetters earned $19,500. Third placed Germans Banck and Gunther picked up $14,000. The world tour concludes when both men and women compete from November 11-16 in China.

Phuket Volleyball A $175,000 Karon Bounce
Athletes in bikinis are taking to the specially sculpted sand courts in central Karon for a $175,000 beach volleyball tournament that will have television cameras rolling live on sunny Phuket.
Phuket Volleyball A $175,000 Karon Bounce